A Helpline for Haiti

Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Port Washington), Haitian-American Families Of Long Island (HAFALI) and the members of the Haitian-American Apostolate Ministry of the Diocese of Rockville Centre have established a helpline to assist local residents in the aftermath of the natural disaster in Haiti.

The helpline, which can be reached by calling 516-792-1104, was established to serve as a clearing house for information on local relief efforts, as well as to offer clergy and social workers for counseling.

"In our own communities, there are many families of Haitian descent who still haven't heard if their loved ones are safe," Senator Johnson said. "This helpline is for them, as well as the many other Long Islanders that simply want to help their neighbors, whether they be across the street, or across the world. I am proud to partner with HAFALI and the Haitian-American Apostolate Ministry in this very important effort to help and to heal."

The helpline will be maintained by HAFALI, a non-profit organization established to address the bilingual, social and cultural needs of the Haitian-American community living in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"In view of the impact of the recent earthquake in Haiti on many Haitian families here, HAFALI is offering mental health counseling in English and Haitian Creole to help individuals and groups cope with the tremendous losses of life and the grief associated with this tragedy," HAFALI Executive Director Maryse Emmanuel-Garcy said. "We are thankful to the bilingual social workers, counselors, psychiatrists and members of the clergy that have volunteered their time to assist the families in need. We would also like to thank Senator Johnson for his support."

Among those volunteering their time to assist with the helpline are the Rev. Eddy Julien of St. Boniface Parish in Elmont, the Rev. Ronel Charelus of St. Brigid's Parish in Westbury, the Rev. Moise Aime of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Lindenhurst and Wyandanch, the Rev. Eden Jean-Baptiste of St. Anne's Parish in Brentwood and Dr. John Palmer of the Diocese's Office of the Charismatic Renewal.  
"The Haitian community based everywhere in the Diaspora is in shock after this great disaster," said Marie Seide of the Haitian-American Apostolate Ministry. "We are proud to be joining with Senator Johnson and HAFALI to create this additional tool to provide the deep healing that our community needs."